On March 22, 2021, the US Coast Guard released a change notice to its COVID-19 guidance in Marine Safety Information Bulletin Number 02-21. This change includes sea ports (maritime transportation hubs), provides additional information on applicability for mask wear in the marine transportation system, and includes links to Coast Guard and CDC Frequently Asked Questions
Maritime Workers Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine in Louisiana
As of March 22, 2021, all energy and transportation workers, including river pilots, are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards expanded vaccine eligibility to all essential workers in Priority Group 1-B, Tier Two, including transportation, construction, manufacturing, and energy workers. An updated list of all eligible individuals and essential
Novel Coronavirus Maritime Reporting Update
In MSIB 20-02 released by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Eighth District on April 2, 2020, the USCG announced that cases of COVID-19 in offshore workers reported to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) do not also need to be reported to the USCG, through the Captain of the Port, as previously
Maritime Regulatory Update – COVID-19
All vessels calling on US ports are now required to report crew and passenger illnesses to the Captain of the Port (COTP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), immediately, or 15 days prior to arriving in a U.S. port.
The USCG has deemed the illness of a person on board a vessel that may adversely affect the safety of the vessel or port facility a “hazardous condition” pursuant to 33 CFR 160.216. Illnesses must be reported immediately to the Captain of the Port and the Centers for Disease Control. Additional guidance and reporting requirements can be found here: MSIB Number 02-20 (Change 3) issued on March 16, 2020.Continue Reading Maritime Regulatory Update – COVID-19